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Coriander vs Cumin - In-Depth Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on May 30, 2022
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Coriander
vs
Cumin

Summary

Cumin contains more iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, Vitamin B family, Vitamin E, zinc, and potassium than coriander. However, coriander has more Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and folate, low in sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and price.

Introduction

This article will discuss the main differences in the nutrition of turmeric and cumin, focusing on their health impact.

What's The Actual Difference?

Both turmeric and cumin are the main ingredients in the Indian kitchen. However, they differ in taste and appearance. Turmeric has a golden yellow color and a bitter taste with a peppery flavor, whereas cumin is earthy, spicy, and slightly bitter and has a brown color. Cumin is used in some cheeses, it can be an ingredient in chili powder, or you can add it to dry rubs for roasted or grilled meats, soups, and the breading for fried foods. In contrast, turmeric is one of the main ingredients in curry and vegetable curry.

Nutrition

You can find nutritional infographics at the bottom of this page that visually show the differences between coriander (leaves, raw) and cumin seeds.

Calories

Cumin seeds are considered high calorie-foods; they contain ten times higher calories.

Cumin seeds have 375 calories per 100g, whereas coriander contains 23 calories per 100g.

Fats

Cumin seeds contain 40 times more fats than coriander. It has 22.27g of fats per 100g, whereas coriander provides only 0.52g of fat.

Carbs

Cumin seeds have 44.24g of carbs per 100g, of which 10.5g is fiber and 33.74g are net carbs.

Coriander contains only 3.67g of net carbs, of which 2.8g is fiber and 0.87g are net carbs.

However, people usually consume them in tiny amounts so that the number of carbs doesn't matter much.

Cholesterol

Both coriander and cumin have no cholesterol.

Minerals

Cumin seeds have 12 times more calcium, 36 times more iron, 13 times more magnesium, nine times more phosphorus, six times more zinc, and two times more copper and potassium.

Cumin seeds fall in the range of the top 2% of foods as a source of iron and can fully convert your daily iron need.

However, coriander provides less sodium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 19% 20% 46% 66% 75% 14% 21% 6% 56% 4.9%
Cumin
9
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 261% 279% 158% 2489% 289% 131% 214% 22% 435% 28%
Contains less SodiumSodium -72.6%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +1307.7%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +1289.6%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +243.2%
Contains more IronIron +3649.2%
Contains more CopperCopper +285.3%
Contains more ZincZinc +860%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +939.6%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +682.4%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +477.8%

Vitamins

Cumin seeds contain a significantly higher amount of Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, folate, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B6.

Cumin seeds fall in the top 14% of foods as a source of Vitamin B1 and are in the top 18% of foods as a source of Vitamin A.

Coriander is higher in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate. The amount of Vitamin K is 56 times higher in coriander.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 90% 405% 50% 0% 17% 37% 21% 34% 34% 0% 775% 47% 7%
Cumin
6
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 26% 76% 67% 0% 157% 75% 86% 0% 100% 0% 14% 7.5% 13%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +250.6%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +431.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +5640.7%
Contains more FolateFolate +520%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +33.2%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +837.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +101.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +311%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +191.9%
Contains more CholineCholine +93%
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Glycemic Index

The estimated glycemic index of cumin is 0, while coriander has a GI of 32. Both are considered low GI foods.

Health Benefits

Diabetes

Several studies have found that cumin can help to lower blood glucose levels. Cumin supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and increased total hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It also reduced total cholesterol levels and prevented weight loss [1]. However, more research on humans is needed.

Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may aid in blood sugar control. According to animal studies, coriander seeds lower blood sugar by promoting enzyme activity that aids in the removal of sugar from the blood [2].

Cancer

Based on test-tube and animal studies, terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols found in coriander may have anticancer, immune-boosting, and neuroprotective properties [3].

Research indicates that the chemopreventive effects of cumin are associated with its ability to modulate the metabolism of carcinogens. Several mice studies demonstrate [4] significant suppression of the growth of stomach tumors and cervical tumors with cumin.

Cardiovascular Health

According to research, estrogens in the body may aid in lipid metabolism, protecting the heart from coronary heart disease. Estrogen levels drop significantly during menopause, making a woman vulnerable to heart disease. Cumin extract has hypolipidemic properties, making it a potential treatment for certain menopausal disorders [5].

Based on research, coriander extract may be a diuretic, assisting your body in flushing out excess sodium and water, which may help to lower your blood pressure. According to some studies, coriander may also help lower cholesterol [6].

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Cumin contains bioactive compounds known as curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown in studies to inhibit the action of free radicals and stimulate the activity of other antioxidants [7].

Downsides and Risks

Allergy

Coriander can cause allergic reactions. Asthma, nasal swelling, hives, and swelling inside the mouth are all symptoms of such reactions.

A compound known as profilin is responsible for cumin allergies. Individuals who are allergic to profilin may also be allergic to coriander. Cumin allergy can also aggravate pollen allergies. Common symptoms include itching, swelling, and tingling in the mouth [8].

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: May 30, 2022

Infographic

Coriander vs Cumin infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
2% 4% 92%
Protein: 2.13 g
Fats: 0.52 g
Carbs: 3.67 g
Water: 92.21 g
Other: 1.47 g
Cumin
4
18% 22% 44% 8% 8%
Protein: 17.81 g
Fats: 22.27 g
Carbs: 44.24 g
Water: 8.06 g
Other: 7.62 g
Contains more WaterWater +1044%
Contains more ProteinProtein +736.2%
Contains more FatsFats +4182.7%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +1105.4%
Contains more OtherOther +418.4%

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
4% 84% 12%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.014 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.275 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.04 g
Cumin
2
8% 74% 17%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.535 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 14.04 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 3.279 g
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -99.1%
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +5005.5%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +8097.5%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Coriander Cumin
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Coriander Cumin Opinion
Calories 23kcal 375kcal Cumin
Protein 2.13g 17.81g Cumin
Fats 0.52g 22.27g Cumin
Vitamin C 27mg 7.7mg Coriander
Net carbs 0.87g 33.74g Cumin
Carbs 3.67g 44.24g Cumin
Magnesium 26mg 366mg Cumin
Calcium 67mg 931mg Cumin
Potassium 521mg 1788mg Cumin
Iron 1.77mg 66.36mg Cumin
Sugar 0.87g 2.25g Coriander
Fiber 2.8g 10.5g Cumin
Copper 0.225mg 0.867mg Cumin
Zinc 0.5mg 4.8mg Cumin
Phosphorus 48mg 499mg Cumin
Sodium 46mg 168mg Coriander
Vitamin A 6748IU 1270IU Coriander
Vitamin A 337µg 64µg Coriander
Vitamin E 2.5mg 3.33mg Cumin
Manganese 0.426mg 3.333mg Cumin
Selenium 0.9µg 5.2µg Cumin
Vitamin B1 0.067mg 0.628mg Cumin
Vitamin B2 0.162mg 0.327mg Cumin
Vitamin B3 1.114mg 4.579mg Cumin
Vitamin B5 0.57mg Coriander
Vitamin B6 0.149mg 0.435mg Cumin
Vitamin K 310µg 5.4µg Coriander
Folate 62µg 10µg Coriander
Choline 12.8mg 24.7mg Cumin
Saturated Fat 0.014g 1.535g Coriander
Monounsaturated Fat 0.275g 14.04g Cumin
Polyunsaturated fat 0.04g 3.279g Cumin

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Coriander Cumin
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
117%
Coriander
48%
Cumin
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
33%
Coriander
431%
Cumin

Comparison summary

Which food is richer in minerals?
Cumin
Cumin is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Cumin
Cumin is lower in glycemic index (difference - 32)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Coriander
Coriander is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.38g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Coriander
Coriander contains less Sodium (difference - 122mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Coriander
Coriander is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 1.521g)
Which food is cheaper?
Coriander
Coriander is cheaper (difference - $2)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Coriander - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169997/nutrients
  2. Cumin - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170923/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.